Have you tried enough new things this fall? It’s not too late

This is my hitter’s final week of the Assessment Phase (August-October). During this time, we remain committed to trying new things to determine what works and what doesn’t.November-January is all about building strength and habits based on what works.

Taking good swings usually is not the major issue for most hitters, especially if you are athletic. Being athletic is the ability to make things happen, particularly when you do not have the fundamentals and habits to do it.

In order to become a skill, a good swing must be supported by strength and habits.

There are three types of strength I focus on with my hitters:

1. Mental
2. Emotional
3. Physical

Talent is what you do well. Habits are what you do well repeatedly without thought. Habits can be broken up into three parts:

1. Cue
2. Routine
3. Reward

Skills are things that you do well repeatedly without thought while under stress.

I will unpack all of this for you in future blogs. In the meantime, if you have not spent enough time this fall trying new things, try one of the following ways to load using a tee. Try this along with your 25 reps each for five straight days—employing the mindset of making adjustments and being athletic leading the way.

• High Leg x 25 reps for 5 straight days
• Toe Tap x 25 reps for 5 straight days
• Bat Wrap x 25 reps for 5 straight days
• High Leg x 25 reps for 5 straight days
• Your Way x 25 reps for 5 straight days

Remember, skills pay the bills.

To help keep your skills sharp, we have introduced a new type of Skill Build—our Virtual Skill Build—where I can help you develop hitting skills anytime, anywhere using anything.

Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.

For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today. Also, check out our Digital Magazine.

C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an associate scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 22 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and a track record of success that can work for you.